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Ron Mansfield Moderator 47 post s 28-Sep-2003 7:28 AM	I got thinking about the best performing transistor (battery operated) radios I can remember. Consider sensitivity, selectivity, noise rejection, and sound quality. Obviously the Zenith Royal 500H would be on anybody's short list, and perhaps the Sony TFM-95, but what's your vote? Let's try to keep it pre-1970... ---------- Ron Mansfield www.childhoodradios.com Last Edited Ron Mansfield on 28-Sep-2003 7:30 AM
Snogcel 9 post s 3-Oct-2003 6:40 AM	Another fine performer, possibly superior to the Zenith, is the Sony TR-84 (from 1959, I believe.) This coat-pocket sized 8-transistor set includes a tuned RF stage and geared-down tuning dial, and with its larger-than-average speaker produces very nice sound quality. Winfield Kindel
fifties 23 post s 4-Oct-2003 10:31 PM	Well, Ron, when I want to DX, my three fav's are the Electra 10 transistor Super DX, which performs almost as well as my Superradio 2, the Channel Master 8 Transistor Super Fringe, and the Sharp transistor 8, model BX 327 (it has a V-8 on the grill).
Ken 11 post s 18-Oct-2003 6:32 PM	Hi guys .. This is a tough question . Ever sence about 12 years old and i`m 44 now i have been fixing these wonderfull radios . Even at 12 years old i had to have the most sensative radio because some good stations were far away .This leads me to now after thousands of radios . You will find many that have the same good receiver in them , radios you would ever think would be any good many times were . I always found the sony radios to be on top of things . Remember the length of the ferrite rod in the antenna coil makes a big difference the longer the better . As mentioned here the Sony 84 and the Channel Master super finge were both horizontal size radios with a very long rod inside so they pertty much ``kicked ass`` ( I have both ) Suprizing though many of the mid 60`s Japan made radios were better than the US made ones . Elgin stamped there name on a few radios that were super built , reception and sound quality . The 8 and 10 transistor Japan horizontal pocket radios with odd names with long rods inside were real good too but most of them needed a proper alignment to be there best . After all these years i find of all things Philco radios to be one of the best for reception . I have a shirt pocket Philco that uses 2 AA cells that is as sensitive as a CM super fringe . I have had a few of those big portable Philcos AM only that are pretty ugly that were very hot radios .. most collectors ignore these . Another would be the good old Zenith trans -o- series transistor sets these are very good .. hard to beat
fifties 26 post s 19-Oct-2003 1:14 PM	Ken, the length of the Ferrite rod is usually true, but my Zenith Royal 20, with a ferrite less than 2" long and about 3/8" wide is INCREDIBLY sensitive, and will easily match up to the bigger receivers. You're right about the Philco's; I have several 4 transistor T45's with the longer ferrite rods that will outperform most of my 6 transistor sets.
JohnS 1 post 20-Oct-2003 1:01 PM	Now that I've latched on to one, my vote would have to go to GE's P780. After I got it working, I was astounded by its sensitivity and sound quality. This because it to has a tuned RF stage plus an 8" bar. A push pull output amp and large, high quality speaker give it its great sound. As it dates from the late fifties and bears the GE meatball, it could be a worthy forerunner to the Superadio line, (AM only). By the way, i'm looking for stock knobs and batt cover if anyone... I know... good luck pal. Thanks, John
alltransistor Guest 0 post 20-Oct-2003 2:04 PM	Hi fellow collectors! In my collection I have a turquoise Spica ST-600 a 6 transistors set and it is a very strong performer. Another fine perfomer is my red Westinghouse model H-619PT with 7 transistors so as well my green Westinghouse model H-611P5 with only 4 transistor. They have a great and clear sound with good selectivity and sensitivity and I like to listen in them sometimes.
Ken 13 post s 20-Oct-2003 8:00 PM	Very true guys . I see where some of you are finding all sizes and brands that all seem to be very good and i agree . I own a couple of those Spica 600 sets and they are very good along with a few Zenith shirt & coat pocket models . My one rule for a good radio was to pick a very weak station or a blank spot on the dial . The radio should produce over loud volume on these settings static & all .. those were the powefull ones . Another thing i strived for was good sound . It is funny how a good radio had a junky speaker in it and a lousy radio a nice speaker , some of those little speakers actually had a bit of bass and a nice full tone . I spent alot of time switching speakers around to get my favorite radio to sound real good . I noticed sony usually had good speakers . Now i dont care as long as it works ok . Did you know you can add a resistor to most radios across the 2nd or 3rd IF coil to boost its reception ?
fifties 28 post s 21-Oct-2003 12:03 AM	Didn't know that, Ken. Can you explain in detail how to determine the value of the resistor, and exactly where it would be placed in the 2nd or 3rd IF circuit?
Ken 15 post s 23-Oct-2003 9:13 PM	Start with a .. brown black yellow.. you can vary that a bit . I used to use an old pot and adjust it while holding it on the circuit board . This works best in radios with 4 or more coils . do not use the oscillator ( red ) coil Try the 1st or 2nd IF coil .. Go to the solder side & have the radio playing on a weak but non fading station . Look at the board where the coil is soldered and notice 3 wires one row then 2 wires second row . Touch the resistor on the ( 3 row ) center one then to either of the ( 2 row ) ones try both . The volume should jump up and the radio will be more sensative . I have found in some cases using one of the outside pins on the ( 3 row ) worked instead you just have to experiment .. it wont harm the radio One thing to watch for is sometimes this will boost the set to much for the local stations so check locals for distortion and adjust the resistors value accordingly . I have in some cases ``resistored`` 2 coils . This trick works well in most cases where a radio lacks in power after doing the normal repairs You also need to check your radio for ``cutting`` resistors put across IF coils . most of the time if they use these they are on top of the board right next to the coil can going right across 2 pins in a ( row ) sometimes these are tacked on the solder side . Check for these first and unhook it to see how it works . I have removed many of these over the years . The insertion or removal of these resistors does not affect the alignment .
fifties 30 post s 24-Oct-2003 4:04 PM	This is fascinating-I'll have to try it. So a 10K resistor on the center lead of the IF coil input, or either of it's outputs-I assume the other end of the resistor goes to ground? If this causes the radio to overload on strong locals, it sounds like you're defeating the AGC action of the circuit. Removing the load resistors from the IF circuit certainly sounds worthwhile as well. Another trick I use after repairing a receiver-I squirt WD40 into the IF cans, and THEN tune them-before I did this, I tore wires on several antique coils where the ferrite was "frozen" in it's tube. I also usually tune the radio to about 1400 (unless I have a Sams for the particular radio listing a different frequency), and adjust the Antenna screw on the tuner for maximum volume-the circuit values drift over time, and this often makes a HUGE improvement in performance. Tuning the radio to the low end of the dial, around 540, the Oscillator coil setting can be experimented with-sometimes retuning it can help quite a bit, just make sure it's new setting is still at 540, then adjust the Oscillator screw on the tuner for maximum volume. Last Edited fifties on 24-Oct-2003 4:10 PM
Ken 16 post s 26-Oct-2003 12:42 AM	I dont think the resistor goes to ground but just across the coil like i explained , i had not payed attention if one of the coil connections was ground .. When i align one of these i start at the very high end 1600 to make sure the last station on the dial is ``there`` if not then move the osc. screw on the tuning cap till it is . its best to align at night to catch these stations . after that i move the antenna screw for max volume with it still on the last station ..... then go to around 600 and see that a station is fairly close ( if not then adjust the osc. coil till its within reason ) then move the antenna coil across the core for max volume then go back to 1600 and touch up the ant. screw . After all that i pick a weak but non fading station and touch up the IF coils . I dont put oil down the IF coils .. instead if they wont move i touch the screw with a hot soldering gun for just a second . I have made several poor preforming radios or just medium ones work very good using this resistor method . The best thing to do is get a 50K pot and solder a couple stiff wires , one on center and one on either outside then hold the pot in the circuit and adjust it then take it off & measure it with an ohm meter and find a resistor close to it to solder in the radio . The last couple radios i did i found some tiny smt ( surface mount ) resistors & tacked it in the radio .. you can hardly see it . Have fun & good luck ``boosting`` your radio-s
Snogcel 10 post s 30-Oct-2003 12:37 PM	Greetings again! I'll have to give that boosting technique a try - it looks interesting! And in the meantime, I'll have to retract my original vote (way up at the beginning of this topic), where I stated my belief that the Sony TR-84 is a top performer - the California fires gave me the opportunity to try my various sets, for I wanted to tune in KNX from Los Angeles, to follow along with the happenings. I'm in the Denver metro area, with a nearby station at 1060 KHz - KNX is 1070, so it is a challenge to tune them in clearly. But tune them in I did, with the star performer being not the Sony TR-84, but a Channel Master Model 6512 AM/SW two-band "coat pocket" set. While the Sony could also receive KNX with plenty of strength, it had trouble rejecting the "splatter" from the adjacent station - Channel Master could clearly receive KNX while rejecting virtually all the "splatter", making it the winner! Hope the fires are put out soon!
Lucio 2 post s 30-Oct-2003 12:49 PM	With regards to good sounding radios: I have an early Motorola transistor portable (black plastic case) that runs AM only, and sounds terrific. It is so old, that the radio has an input for an external DC supply, and it references the use of Mercury batteries as well as conventional carbon-zinc. I believe you would be hard pressed today to find a good AM portable. I really enjoy listening to talk shows, AND music on good performers. Lou
fifties 31 post s 1-Nov-2003 12:08 AM	When I want to test the sensitivity of a receiver, I put it on AM 1660, KXOL, Ogden, Utah, at night (5000 watts, all oldies, no commercials or talk). Since I'm near Los Angeles, and there is a station at 1660 in San Jose, much closer, and a powerful Mexican station at 1670 that fades in and out, it's a real trick to receive it without resorting to my Select-A-Tenna. When I DO receive it, I know I have the sensitivity of the receiver peaked. As I said above, the best performers after my Super-Radio 2 are the Electra 10 Transistor Super DX, the Channel Master Super Fringe, and the Sharp 8 Transistor BX-327. I use KNX (50,000 watts, 40 miles away) to peak alignment on the IF's if I don't have my signal generator out.
8track Guest 0 post 6-Jan-2004 1:27 PM	for pre '70 radios, my vote is for the G.E. P780.. http://www.transistor.org/feature/jutson/technical.html I use it to listen to Niel Rogers on 560 wqam (5kw) about 250 miles away during the daytime...it does a better job than any of the superadios and the cc radio ,but not quite as well as a Panasonic rf2200...as for tube sets the best one I've found so far is a Zenith "long range" Consoletone with the stock spiderweb coil...I've replaced all the old paper caps ,which probably helped...can't remember the model# of the Zenith but I'll look next time I go to the shed..it's in storage...8)
Ron Mansfield Guest 0 post 22-Jan-2004 7:22 AM	Hi gang. Interesting thread. Do any of you use a signal generator and an analog AC voltmeter to align your radios? I find that once you get into the habit it's quick and easy, and there is no chance of "lopping off" those stations at the high or low ends of the dial. You can pick up perfectly good old Heathkit and other signal generators on eBay for under $25.00 with some luck. You can check vintage signal generators for accuracy and precisely mark key frequencies on the dial, (455, 600 and 1600KHz), with a digital frequency meter, (borrow one if you don’t own it). And while you can use a digital voltmeter to monitor the radio’s output, I like to use a big ‘ol analog meter (a Simpson, or whatever). You don’t need to worry about meter accuracy for this task, but a big meter face is helpful since you can see tiny improvements in alignment. Also, nobody has yet mentioned keeping an eye on signal strength when aligning, but, (especially when using a signal generator), be sure the input signal is not too strong or the automatic gain control circuitry will fight and frustrate you.
GE P780 for sale Guest 0 post 8-Dec-2004 3:08 PM	Hi, folks. If anyone is interested in buying a P780 in fabulous condition, take a look at this eBay listing. As I post this message, it has a little over 18 hours to go: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2291050062 If that link doesn't work due to folding, it's eBay item 2291050062. Regards, Jeff Broido
michaeljpro 12 post s 9-Dec-2004 9:03 AM	I really think all my Emerson 888 radios perform well. Also, I agree that the Sony TR-84 is solid. There seems to have been a great deal of TR-84's sold up here in Southern Ontario (Canada) - I find one every month or so!
Sean 11 post s 18-Dec-2004 12:19 AM	Hi RON it is me Sean Whiteacre. We have written quite a bit in emails. Well I have collected alot of radios over time and worked at Raytheon as a Engineer. Well Here it is a good sensitive radio needs a well tuned RF stage as well as a low noise high gain IF AMP.(3 or more transistors in the IF stages is a big help).Last you need a good audio stage Push pull circuits are the best if bias correctly. LIST OF RADIOS 1) Channel Master 6515 8 Transistor Super Fringe (Nice Radio very sensitive) I have many of these. 2) Channel Master 6518 14 transistor (Super nice Radio) 3) Zenith Royal 500 HandWired( If this radio: IF Stage are carefully alligned,and the local osc.(trimmer cap.) and RF(trimmer cap.) are correctly alligned with each other this radio becomes very sensitive. 7 transistors in total. 4) Zenith Royal 760 (Nice Radio) Take Care RON
olddad 1 post 26-Oct-2005 8:00 AM	I have read everything that I can find about the role Bletchley Park (BP) played in the reception of German radio transmissions during WW2. I have recently read that since experienced code operators develop a recognizeable 'fist', that BP was able to discern German troop movements as the 'fists' were received from different sites. I would be interested if anyone else can add to that information.
Anonymous Guest 0 post 14-Nov-2005 2:02 PM	I just purchased a Sony TR 84 off ebay to give to my Dad as a surprise (he had one when he was a kid and sorely misses it). The volume seems to be very loud at the lowest, but it will get louder as the dial is turned up. Is it normal for this model to be loud at the lowest volume setting? What might the problem be? It was cleaned with contact cleaner already.
Lon Guest 0 post 9-Mar-2006 3:32 PM	FYI - P780 up for auction on ebay
Am3Radio 2 post s 10-Mar-2006 3:54 AM	I would like to extend the remarks by asking which of the Boy's Radios did the best. I figure most were all the same circuit-wise, so most of the difference would be in the quality of parts, and alignment of the sets, tweaking of values, etc. I like the Star-Lite TR-211 with the "direction finding" antenna strip on top. Reminds me of the Nova-Tech or Pan rf-2200. Worked well.
Kerynne Guest 0 post 16-Jun-2006 9:44 PM	Hello, i am looking for a 1959 SHARP 8 TRANSISTOR BX 327 (small size) for a friend of mine who doesn't have access to the net. Price and availability. Any helpers. ksbro@hotmail.com
halsey_fan 1 post 1-Aug-2006 11:03 AM	It's been very enlightening reading the expert opinions on some of these great radios. I highly suggest that Mr. Mansfield make this topic a permanent link, or part of his site -since I think alot of people just getting into buying and collecting (like myself) would be very interested in learning from the pros. Another general question that I'd like to hear some feedback on, is the relationship between batteries (size, voltage, number, etc...)and overall performance. It's hard for me to weigh in on the "best" right now. I grew up in the USA, and would listen to baseball on summer nights and could judge a radio on how well it picked up the Twins on WCCO, the Cards on KMOX, or the Cubs on WLS, etc... Now I'm living in the UK, and it's hard to tell where some of these stations come from on the continent. But that being said, I think my Toshiba 300s picks up some distant stations -and sounds wonderful. I also love my Matsushita T41...very good range and sound. I have a Zenith 500, and it picks up/sounds good too, but the tuning seems TOO sensitive for Europe -it's hard to get the stations exactly tuned in. And, while some of the pros out there may laugh, I have a little Hitachi 848 that I really think has reception as good as any radio -although it does have a little speaker, so doesn't sound quite as nice as the others.
Dan 1 post 24-Aug-2006 12:10 PM	My first post. I am a very minor collector compared to some here but I was surprised to see how many times the Channel Master Super Fringe was mentioned. I have two of them and although I focus on Zeniths, I am very impressed with both the looks and performance of the CHM/Sanyo's. I thought it was just me as these don't seem to be held in high esteem as a collectable. To bad because they seem very good. Yes they have a big, really big ferrite bar in inside. They also seem to have really good tone from their speaker that for me tend,s to make things more defined. So my favorites that are all close in performance are: Channel Master Super Fringe Zenith 705 Zenith Transoceanic Transistor all (3)1000,3000,7000 Zenith 500H GE P780 note: Mine is not a true P780 but is the same cabinet and chassis but with differant grille screen and color of case. It is called Musicphonic solid state. Anyone know anything about these? Year, quanity?? Can't find anything on the net about the Musicphonic variation. Last Edited Dan on 24-Aug-2006 12:12 PM
Ron Mansfield Moderator 161 post s 29-Aug-2006 4:07 PM	Hey Dan, Welcome to the board and thanks for your post! Please stop by often. I am with you on the Channel Master stuff. Blows the doors off of just about anything you can buy new today. Well built, and easy to fix as well. ---------- Ron Mansfield www.childhoodradios.com
Marc1178 1 post 6-Oct-2006 7:12 PM	I own the Channel Master Super Fringe and the Sony TR-84. Right now the Sony is more sensitive than the Channel Master (which needs aligned) but the Channel Master has slightly better audio, especially through the external two-way speaker.
Ron Mansfield Moderator 176 post s 13-Jan-2007 8:51 AM	I have just run across several NIB Hoffman Model 707 pocket radios and must say I have never before heard such sound from a small set. Think this model is now on my list o'favs. ---------- Ron Mansfield www.childhoodradios.com
PocketRadio 4 post s 14-Apr-2007 3:36 PM	For a modern pocket-radio, I would vote for the excellent Sony ICF-S10MK2: http://www.radiointel.com/review-sonys10mk2.htm
AJ 1 post 27-Apr-2007 9:07 AM	I own a lot of portable transistor radios. MY short list is: Panasonic RF-888, Panasonic RF-923 (very rare), Realistic DX-66, Sony ICF-5500w, Grundig Satellit 700, Grundig Satellit Transistor 6001 and there are others, but they are too modern. Hands down, the Satellit Transistor 6001 has the best FM performance judging by reception and sound. The best AM performance is from the Panasonic RF-888. The Realistic DX-66 is an old, analog portable that runs on 4 C cells (plus it has a built in A/C cord). The Realistic is amazing. It picks up as many radio stations on AM and FM as any radio I own. It sounds great on both bands as well, but it is impossible to match the FM sound of the old Grundig 6001. I had the original green Radio Shack Enercells (Heavy Duty Lead/Acid) in that Realistic Radio from 1981 until 2005 and they kept a charge. I finally took them out just in case. They still worked and lit the dial bulbs.
eshapir 1 post 6-Nov-2007 11:10 AM	My wife and I were cleaning out her grandfather's apartment in Palm Beach recently and we stumbled on a perfect condition Sony ICF-550W and we thought we'd post in this forum to see if any collectors were interested in it. We were just going to put it on eBay but I thought to search around for groups such as this first. If anyone is interested, please contact me at ethanshap@hotmail.com. I will pack and ship it for free via DHL to a "good home". Thanks, Ethan
JimF 1 post 21-May-2008 7:56 AM	I am new to the board and wanted to have a say about this best radio topic. The Grundig 6001 is very good. It is the one I am most familiar with. It is also the one I need information on and the one I need parts for. It all works very well except the FM dial cord needs to be replaced as does the telescopic whip antenna. Where does on find these things? Thank you. It was great reading the posts. JimF

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